Richard Ely Hearn, known affectionately as “Dick” to his friends and “Apa” to his grandchildren and a longtime Burlington resident, passed away peacefully on July 10, 2025, in Burlington, Vt. Born on May 10, 1936, in Hartford, Conn., he was the cherished son of the late George and Dorothy (Frost) Hearn and brother of the late Dorothy Elizabeth Pratt.
A survivor of the tragic Hartford Circus Fire of 1944, Richard carried that early resilience with him throughout a life rich in learning and in love. He studied at Yale University — spending time between his freshman and sophomore years to serve two years in the U.S. Navy — and later earned an MBA from MIT.
He began his professional journey in management consulting, working with Raytheon and the Department of Defense, and later served as CEO of Capital City Press, based near Montpelier, Vt. But Richard’s greatest passions lay beyond his résumé: family, travel, gardening, cooking and the joy of sharing good food with those he loved.
Richard married four times and was known — fondly — as a great lover of wine, women and song. He taught his children and extended family to find happiness in life’s everyday treasures: a great meal, a beautiful beach, a well-told story or the deeper meaning in song lyrics. With an unforgettable smile and an unflagging sense of humor, he approached every moment with a sense of fun and delight.
He is survived by his wife, Sybil Hindes Hearn, of Burlington, Vt., and his five daughters, Merryn Hearn (daughter of the late Kathryn Watchorn) of Seattle, Wash.; Jennifer Hearn Puntonio (John) (also Kathryn’s daughter) of Medfield, Mass.; Alison Hearn (Kate) (daughter of the late Marian Aveson) of Scituate, Mass.; and Jessica Hearn (daughter of Katherine Lyons) and Amanda Hearn (Dan) (also Katherine’s daughter) of Burlington, Vt. He also leaves behind his stepchildren, Donald, Jerry and Tara (children of Katherine Lyons) and Eric (son of Sybil Hindes); his grandchildren, Ben, Anna, Arrow, Aspen, Christopher and Kai; his niece, Nina Pratt Fleming, of Blue Hill, Maine; his nephew, Alex Pratt, of Willimantic, Conn.; and many other family members.
Whether through philosophical conversations, impromptu guitar tunes, meaningful words of empowerment or heartfelt laughter, Richard encouraged those around him to embrace their dreams, curiosity, joy and meaningful connection. His legacy will live on in every meal savored, every story shared, every beach explored and every smile remembered.
Services will be held on August 1, 2025, 10:30 a.m., at the Louisa Howard Chapel, Lakeview Cemetery, Burlington, VT. Reception to follow. Contact Jessica Hearn with condolences or flowers: 31 Chase St., Apt. 1, Burlington, VT 05401.
We love you, Dad!
This article appears in Jul 16-22, 2025.